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kenyan_cheena · 01-27-2007, 07:24 PM

NEW JERSEY JACKPOT

Wednesday 19 June 2002

As expected, this week's International Boxing League selection trials at Atlantic City's Boardwalk Hall have been a huge success with some 500 hopefuls attending. IBL Chief Director James Molk said back on Monday that it would "be a fantastic week for the International Boxing League" and he could not have been more correct with that assessment.

"Just incredible," said Molk this evening. "It's fortunate that we had the foresight to involve our African selection team here because I don't think the American team could have handled this turnout all by themselves. In fact, I've just arranged today to extend these trials into next week because seven days is simply not enough time to evaluate all the talent we have here. Our expectations have actually been exceeded, if you can believe that."

What that means is that the trials in Miami, Florida will not commence until this coming Monday. They were all set to start tomorrow, but Molk and his team will be staying in Atlantic City until at least Saturday.

Understandably, the IBL scouts on hand have not been able to run their eye over everyone yet, but some of the trialists to have really impressed them so far include:

Harry Greb (Middleweight): This 20 year-old Pittsburgh native was virtually a shoe-in for IBL selection from the moment he announced his plans to turn professional back in April. He enjoyed a successful amateur career but missed out on representing the USA at the Sydney Olympics when he was knocked out by eventual gold medallist Michael Spinks in the selection trial final. He's shown during the past three days that he'll be a force to be reckoned with in the deep Middleweight division.

Billy Conn (Light-Heavyweight): Like Greb, Conn hails from the Steel City. He may be just seventeen, but it's clear that he has an exceptional understanding of the art of boxing. Although not blessed with knockout power, he's an outstanding boxer with great hand and foot speed and an excellent defense. He'll surely be in the mix as the Light-Heavyweight tournament reaches its later stages. Not bad for a young man who never fought as an amateur.

Joseph Saddler (Featherweight): Known as "Sandy" amongst his friends, this young man has impressed all with his explosiveness and power. He'll be turning nineteen in four days and though some look at him as a real chance in the Featherweight division, there are some aspects of the Boston native's makeup that IBL scouts have questioned. It's likely that he'll be placed in the Future Contender series.

James McGirt (Welterweight): Brash and volatile, this extroverted New Yorker has already laid down his intentions for all to hear during the past three days, proclaiming that he has Ray Leonard in his sights. Whether he can live up to those ambitious words we'll just have to wait and see, but he has a history with Leonard as the two fought in the trials for the Sydney Olympic team, with Leonard the victor. He's displayed solid skills as both a boxer and a slugger, with a potent jab and quick hands. He'll certainly be one to watch during the Welterweight tournament.

Lew Tendler (Lightweight): A southpaw from Philadelphia who will make what continues to become an intriguing Lightweight division all the more interesting. Possessing one helluva jab and a lethal left cross, he's sure to give some of his opponents fits when he steps into the ring.

Mickey Walker (Middleweight): Can this division get any more talented? Born and raised in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Walker has received a lot of support at these trials, coming out of nowhere to blow the socks off the IBL's scouts with his aggression and killer instinct. There's no doubt that this 18 year-old will be an absolute handful.

"I would estimate that as many as eighty of these guys are going to find a home with us," said IBL Chief Director Douglas Moran. "But as James has said, it'll be a careful process selecting them. There's more talent here than at any of our other trials and we don't want anyone to slip through the cracks. I wouldn't be surprised if we're still here near the end of next week."

01-27-2007, 07:24 PM	#128 (permalink)
kenyan_cheena Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia Posts: 4,423	NEW JERSEY JACKPOT Wednesday 19 June 2002 As expected, this week's International Boxing League selection trials at Atlantic City's Boardwalk Hall have been a huge success with some 500 hopefuls attending. IBL Chief Director James Molk said back on Monday that it would "be a fantastic week for the International Boxing League" and he could not have been more correct with that assessment. "Just incredible," said Molk this evening. "It's fortunate that we had the foresight to involve our African selection team here because I don't think the American team could have handled this turnout all by themselves. In fact, I've just arranged today to extend these trials into next week because seven days is simply not enough time to evaluate all the talent we have here. Our expectations have actually been exceeded, if you can believe that." What that means is that the trials in Miami, Florida will not commence until this coming Monday. They were all set to start tomorrow, but Molk and his team will be staying in Atlantic City until at least Saturday. Understandably, the IBL scouts on hand have not been able to run their eye over everyone yet, but some of the trialists to have really impressed them so far include: Harry Greb (Middleweight): This 20 year-old Pittsburgh native was virtually a shoe-in for IBL selection from the moment he announced his plans to turn professional back in April. He enjoyed a successful amateur career but missed out on representing the USA at the Sydney Olympics when he was knocked out by eventual gold medallist Michael Spinks in the selection trial final. He's shown during the past three days that he'll be a force to be reckoned with in the deep Middleweight division. *Billy Conn (Light-Heavyweight):* Like Greb, Conn hails from the Steel City. He may be just seventeen, but it's clear that he has an exceptional understanding of the art of boxing. Although not blessed with knockout power, he's an outstanding boxer with great hand and foot speed and an excellent defense. He'll surely be in the mix as the Light-Heavyweight tournament reaches its later stages. Not bad for a young man who never fought as an amateur. *Joseph Saddler (Featherweight):* Known as "Sandy" amongst his friends, this young man has impressed all with his explosiveness and power. He'll be turning nineteen in four days and though some look at him as a real chance in the Featherweight division, there are some aspects of the Boston native's makeup that IBL scouts have questioned. It's likely that he'll be placed in the Future Contender series. *James McGirt (Welterweight):* Brash and volatile, this extroverted New Yorker has already laid down his intentions for all to hear during the past three days, proclaiming that he has Ray Leonard in his sights. Whether he can live up to those ambitious words we'll just have to wait and see, but he has a history with Leonard as the two fought in the trials for the Sydney Olympic team, with Leonard the victor. He's displayed solid skills as both a boxer and a slugger, with a potent jab and quick hands. He'll certainly be one to watch during the Welterweight tournament. *Lew Tendler (Lightweight):* A southpaw from Philadelphia who will make what continues to become an intriguing Lightweight division all the more interesting. Possessing one helluva jab and a lethal left cross, he's sure to give some of his opponents fits when he steps into the ring. *Mickey Walker (Middleweight):* Can this division get any more talented? Born and raised in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Walker has received a lot of support at these trials, coming out of nowhere to blow the socks off the IBL's scouts with his aggression and killer instinct. There's no doubt that this 18 year-old will be an absolute handful. "I would estimate that as many as eighty of these guys are going to find a home with us," said IBL Chief Director Douglas Moran. "But as James has said, it'll be a careful process selecting them. There's more talent here than at any of our other trials and we don't want anyone to slip through the cracks. I wouldn't be surprised if we're still here near the end of next week." __________________ The Heavyweight Boxing Federation The Heavyweight Boxing Federation: Tournament Group Standings The International Boxing League MLB: 1958 and Beyond...